Dhaka in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Dhaka

32°C (90°F) High Temp

26°C (78°F) Low Temp

284mm (11.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Post-monsoon clarity brings impressive sunrises and excellent photography conditions at historic sites like this destination and this destination, with clear skies 60% of mornings before 10am
September marks the start of river cruise season - water levels are perfect for Old Dhaka boat tours through Buriganga River, offering cooler temperatures on water (24-26°C/75-79°F)
Festival preparation season creates busy street energy as locals prepare for upcoming Durga Puja - markets overflow with colorful decorations, traditional sweets, and cultural performances
Comfortable evening temperatures (26-28°C/79-82°F) make rooftop dining and street food exploration ideal from 6pm onwards, when humidity drops to 60-65%

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms arrive suddenly between 2-5pm on 60% of days, lasting 45-90 minutes with heavy downpours that can flood streets temporarily
High humidity (70-80%) makes midday outdoor activities exhausting - you'll sweat through clothes within 30 minutes of walking in direct sun
September is still considered off-season for many international visitors, meaning some upscale restaurants and hotels may have limited hours or be closed for maintenance

Best Activities in September

Old Dhaka Heritage Walking Tours

September's post-monsoon atmosphere creates perfect conditions for exploring the narrow lanes of Old Dhaka. Morning temperatures (26-28°C/79-82°F) and occasional cloud cover make 4-5 hour walking tours comfortable before noon. The cleaned streets after monsoon rains reveal architectural details usually hidden by dust, and locals are more active outdoors preparing for festival season.

Booking Tip: Book heritage walks through established cultural tour operators 7-10 days ahead. Tours typically cost ৳2,500-4,000 per person and include traditional breakfast stops. Start before 8am to avoid afternoon storms. Look for guides certified by Bangladesh Tourism Board.

Buriganga River Sunset Cruises

September marks the beginning of optimal river conditions after monsoon season. Water levels are stable, debris has cleared, and evening temperatures drop to comfortable 26-28°C (79-82°F). The dramatic post-storm skies create spectacular sunset photography opportunities, and you'll avoid the intense heat that builds up in the city streets.

Booking Tip: River cruises operate from this destination Launch Terminal with departures at 5:30pm and 6:30pm. Book through licensed boat operators 5-7 days ahead during September. Costs range ৳1,500-3,000 depending on boat size and route. Confirm life jacket availability and weather backup plans.

Traditional Market Food Tours

September brings the freshest produce as post-monsoon harvests arrive at markets like Kawran Bazar and Kolkata. Cooler morning temperatures (26°C/79°F) make crowded market exploration bearable, and vendors are preparing special sweets and snacks for upcoming festivals. You'll find seasonal fruits like guava and pomegranate at peak freshness.

Booking Tip: Food tours work best 6am-10am before heat intensifies. Book through food-focused tour operators 3-5 days ahead, typically ৳2,000-3,500 per person including tastings. Ensure guides speak English well and can explain dietary restrictions to vendors. Many tours include rickshaw transport between markets.

Sonargaon Day Trips

The 29km (18-mile) journey to this ancient capital becomes pleasant in September's moderate temperatures. The Folk Arts and Crafts Museum and Panam City ruins are best explored in September's clearer air after monsoon dust has settled. Morning departures allow full exploration before afternoon storms, and the countryside looks lush and green.

Booking Tip: Day trips to Sonargaon cost ৳4,000-6,500 including transport and guide. Book through operators offering air-conditioned vehicles for the 45-minute drive. Depart by 8am to complete visits before afternoon weather changes. Confirm entrance fees are included - museum entry costs ৳20 for foreigners.

Contemporary Art Gallery Tours

September's humidity makes air-conditioned indoor cultural activities particularly appealing during midday hours. Gallery spaces like Bengal Gallery and Shilpakala Academy showcase works by contemporary Bangladeshi artists, and September often features new exhibitions opening for the festival season ahead.

Booking Tip: Most galleries operate 10am-6pm but close during prayer times. Group cultural tours cost ৳1,500-2,500 per person and can be arranged through cultural centers. Individual gallery visits cost ৳50-200 entry. Plan indoor activities for 12pm-4pm when outdoor temperatures peak.

Rickshaw Photography Tours

September's dramatic skies and cleaner post-monsoon air create ideal conditions for capturing Dhaka's iconic cycle rickshaws. The colorful decorations become more busy as festival preparations begin, and morning light (7-10am) offers perfect photography conditions before harsh midday sun.

Booking Tip: Photography-focused rickshaw tours cost ৳2,000-3,000 for 3-4 hours including rickshaw hire and guide. Book through operators who understand photography needs and can communicate with rickshaw pullers. Early morning tours (7am start) offer best light and fewer crowds.

September Events & Festivals

Throughout September

Durga Puja Preparation Season

While the main festival occurs in October, September is when artisans create elaborate pandals (temporary structures) and clay sculptures throughout the city. Visit neighborhoods like Shakhari Bazar and Banani to watch master craftsmen at work and experience the building excitement.

Mid to Late September

Poush Parbon Cultural Programs

Various cultural organizations host traditional music and dance performances as practice events for the main festival season. Shilpakala Academy and other venues offer free or low-cost evening performances showcasing classical Bengali arts.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic shirts and pants - cotton stays wet too long in 70% humidity and takes hours to dry after afternoon storms

Compact umbrella with wind resistance - September storms bring strong gusts that destroy cheap umbrellas within minutes

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - sudden downpours can damage electronics, and you'll want photos during dramatic weather

Breathable walking shoes with good grip - wet streets become slippery, avoid leather shoes that take days to dry

SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours - UV index of 8 causes burns in 15 minutes, especially with reflected light from wet surfaces

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts for mosques and conservative areas - required for many religious sites, and protects from sun during extended outdoor time

Electrolyte powder or tablets - high humidity and sweating leads to rapid mineral loss, especially during 3+ hour walking tours

Mosquito repellent with 20%+ DEET - post-monsoon standing water increases mosquito activity, particularly at dawn and dusk

Portable fan or cooling towel - helps manage the 'feels like' temperature that often exceeds actual air temperature by 3-5°C (5-9°F)

Plastic bags for wet clothes - essential when caught in afternoon storms, prevents soaking other items in backpack

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in Gulshan or Banani areas - these neighborhoods have better drainage systems and lose power less frequently during September storms than Old Dhaka

Download offline maps before arrival - internet and GPS signals weaken during thunderstorms, and many street signs are in Bengali script only

Carry small denominations of taka (৳20, ৳50 notes) - street vendors and rickshaw pullers rarely have change for larger bills, especially during busy morning market hours

Time activities around prayer schedules - many shops and attractions close for 15-20 minutes during the five daily prayer times, plan buffer time in your itinerary

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 12pm-4pm when temperatures feel like 35-38°C (95-100°F) and afternoon storms are most likely to occur

Wearing white or light-colored clothing to street food areas - turmeric, curry, and colorful spices will permanently stain clothes within hours

Assuming Western-style customer service timing - restaurants may take 30-45 minutes for simple dishes, and shops often close unexpectedly for prayer or weather